About the Book:
My Opinion:
Most history buffs know of Louis XIV. His reign shines through French history for his control of the throne and his love of art. This book tells the tale of his beginnings; before he became known as The Sun King.
It covers only 4 months of his life – the first four months of his reign before he converted Versailles to the magnificent palace it is today. He is coming into himself as a king and as a leader of men. His mentor Cardinal Mazarin has died and his brother has just married a woman who has enthralled the court. Louis finds himself a bit enthralled as well.
It was very interesting to read a story of Louis before he came into his own. Ms. Koen writes a tale that brings us into a young king’s life as he tries to learn whom to trust. Her writing brings the court to life. The characters were fully realized and I find myself still thinking about them a week after I finished the book. I researched the main players and Ms. Koen did not stray from established history but there is nothing dusty or old in her telling. We feel the love and lust of young King Louis as he first falls for his sister in law and then for her maid of Honor Louise. We feel his uncertainty as he matches wits with the powerful Viscount Nicolas, the finance minister who seems to have connections to everyone at court.
This book covers a short period in history but it tells a dramatic and fascinating story.
You can see the rest of the Tour HERE
Before Versailles is available at Amazon.com
Thanks to the publisher I have one copy of Before Versailles to give away.
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Disclosure: I received a copy of Before Versailles from TLC Book Tours gratis. Any opinions expressed are my honest opinions and were not impacted by my receipt of the free book. I received no monetary compensation for this post.
